Mumbai Fables

I may sound judgemental but undoubtedly this is one of the finest and interesting books written on Mumbai. Although, 'Maximum City' by Suketu Mehta, 'Sacred Games' by Vikram Chandra and 'Narcopolis' by Jeet Thayil are also very well written and interesting books but Mumbai Fables by Gyan Prakash is uniquely important as it looks at Mumbai from multidimensional perspectives. The book is divided into nine chapters dealing with almost all important aspects of a cosmopolitan society and its social, economic, political and cultural affairs. The most interesting chapters of the book are - the cosmopolis and the nation, the tabloid and the city, from red to saffron, avenger on the street and dreamworlds. The opening of the book with the 'tower of silence' and the Parsi traditions and practices is itself very powerful. The discussions on some of the most popular Bollywood movies of late 1950s and 1960s is highly touching and reminds the readers of the high literary and artistic qualities of Indian cinema in the beginning. The specific focus and detail discussions on unforgettable movies such as Pyasa,CID, Taxi Driver, Awara, Aar Par and Bazi is matchless. The author rightly points out that Sahir, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Shailendra, Pradeep, Prem Dhawan, Rajendra Singh Bedi, Abbas, and many others wrote songs and stories that shaped the cinema of the 1950s. The author's reflections on Progressive Writers Association (PWA) and Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA) in Bombay as well as detailed discussions on literary giants such as Sadat Hasan Manto, Khawaja Ahmed Abbas, Ismat Chugtai and Sahir Ludhianvi is highly interesting and thought provoking. Moreover, a comprehensive analysis in a separate chapter extending to 75 pages on the famous Nanavati case which was the last jury trial and the first media trial in India is exciting. The author also highlights the unique role of Bombay tabloid Blitz epitomizing the city's mischievously modern spirit. The actual persona of the Parsi editor of tabloid Biltz Russi Karanjia is unveiled in the most powerful and attractive manner by the author. The author has dealt with the subject matter in such a manner, style and language that one can't leave the book before it is finished. This Princeton university historian of Indian origin has done complete justice with the title as one would like to read or hear about fables without drifting from the facts. It is a story telling of factual- intellectual matrix of the glittering life in the first cosmopolitan city of our country in the most fabulous manner. Bollywood movies 'Rustom' and 'Bombay Valvet' released a few years back are based on this book. This is certainly one of the finest books that I have read in the last 10 years. A book not to be missed.

Wonderful book by Gyan Prakash narrating the story of how Bombay changed to Mumbai. The content in the book is easy to understand and it will definitely keep you engrossed in it for hours. A must read every mumbaikar who wants to know the proper history of the city, and all the readers out there READ IT you will enjoy... The book arrived on time great packaging and shipping by amazon...

It's a nice book. But recommend only for those with good English. Bombay comes alive with this book. Worth a purchase. Very absorbing and gripping. History lovers should surely opt for this book.

A well written collection of Fables (with some nice collection of maps & pictures) on Mumbai/Bombay from the start of times...worth reading who's interested to know more about the fascinating, ever-vibrant Mahanagri.

Its a must read. the best part about Mumbai Fables is that it although it is a historical account of the city but it presents Bombay more like a character rather than a city.